Unlike many artists, I didn't begin painting as a child.

I started learning oil painting in 2020, determined to build strong foundations rather than rely on natural talent alone. Under the guidance of my teacher, Jana Vodesil, I began with landscapes and seascapes before gradually exploring palette knife techniques, portraiture and commissioned work.

I'm naturally drawn to realism. My instinct is to notice every detail, and learning to loosen my style has probably been my greatest challenge. The palette knife taught me to paint with more confidence, more freedom and a greater appreciation for suggestion rather than precision.

I'm inspired by places that stop me in my tracks - dramatic coastlines, changing skies, reflections on water and the way light transforms a familiar landscape. More recently I've also discovered how rewarding it is to paint people and pets, capturing not only their likeness but the memories attached to them.

Every painting teaches me something new. Five years ago I would have confidently said, "I don't paint dogs." Today one of my favourite paintings features eight of them.

That's the joy of learning. The journey is never really finished.